
Ulpia Serdica Festival
Ancient Serdica Comes to Life
Festival editions
Two editions of living history in Sofia — revisit the days, places and partners.
- 20262nd edition
Ulpia Serdica Festival MMXXVI
2–3 October 2026
Second edition with a proclamation in Vrabnitsa, a city-centre parade and living-history demonstrations.
Marks 1,920 years since Emperor Trajan declared Serdica a municipium (106 AD)
- Day 1The lawn behind the Vrabnitsa district administration building
- Day 2Western Gate of Serdica Archaeological ParkParade through the city centreThe Sredets district mayor received a symbolic key to ancient Serdica.
120 Participants5 Countries11 Groups - 20251st edition
Ulpia Serdica Festival MMXXV
17–18 October 2025
First edition — a children’s day in Obelya and a parade between the gates of ancient Serdica.
Late 1st century BC — Romans and Thracians against the Bastarnae, including a duel between Marcus Licinius Crassus and the chieftain Deldo.
- Day 1140th School "Ivan Bogorov", Obelya district, Sofia (Vrabnitsa district)Aimed at children; hosted by the school.
- Day 2Western Gate of Serdica Archaeological ParkTriumphal parade from the Western Gate to the Eastern Gate through the city centre.
~90 Participants6 Countries
Don't just watch history. Experience it.
Typical festival themes — exact activities are confirmed with each edition’s programme.
ReenactmentBattles & Legions
Demonstrations of Roman military reenactment and drill.
ArenaGladiators
Gladiatorial demonstrations and combat scenes from antiquity.
CraftsAncient Crafts
Demonstrations of historical crafts and handmade skills.
CulinaryRoman Food
Historical food and culinary demonstrations when part of the programme.
FamiliesChildren's Activities
Family and children's activities connected to living history.
Daily lifeRituals & Daily Life
Scenes of ancient daily life and civic culture.
Reenactors from five countries
Historical groups that took part in the second edition.
- Legio I Italica
- Ad Putea
- Ulpia Pautalia
- Wolves from Kabile (LudusLupercalis)
- Romanitas.it
- Gruppo Storico Romano
- Terra Dacica Aeterna
- Gruppo Storico Sabino
- Legio V Macedonica (Spain)
- Grupo Vindicta Recreación Histórica
- Istrum Getica
Who are we?
We are the non-profit association "Serdica Aeterna", a community of history lovers united by an interest in Ancient Rome and the Thracian cultural heritage of the Bulgarian lands.
Our mission: to revive history, protect cultural heritage and pass it on, authentically, engagingly and with respect for the past.
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We believe history is not just a collection of dates and events left in textbooks. It is living heritage that deserves to be preserved, studied and passed on to the next generations. Our goal is to bring the past closer to modern people by presenting it in the most authentic, accessible and engaging way to a wide audience.
Entirely on a volunteer basis, we organise historical festivals and events that revive the world of Ancient Rome and local Thracian culture from the time when today's Bulgarian lands were part of the Roman Empire. It matters to us to show not only Roman legionaries, their weapons, clothing, daily life and traditions, but also the place of Thracian culture in the life of the empire's provinces.
We present history with respect for historical sources, archaeological finds and scientific research, turning reenactment into a means of education, cultural exchange and preserving memory.
We do all this with personal labour, enthusiasm and love of history. For us, festivals are not just events but a chance for people of different generations to touch the past, understand it better and feel the link between ancient civilisations and the land where we live today.

Moments from Ancient Serdica
Photographs from past editions — shown when rights are confirmed.
Partners & Supporters
Organisers, funders and institutional partners of the festival editions.
- Serdica Aeterna AssociationEditions: 2025, 2026
- Sofia Municipality – Programme EuropeEditions: 2025, 2026
- 140th School "Ivan Bogorov"Editions: 2025
- Archaeological Park "Western Gate of Serdica"Editions: 2025, 2026
- Regional Historical Museum – SofiaEditions: 2026
- Sredets District, Sofia MunicipalityEditions: 2025, 2026
- Vrabnitsa District, Sofia MunicipalityEditions: 2025, 2026
- "Dokova & Dokov For Future" FoundationEditions: 2026
- Global Solar Bulgaria LLCEditions: 2026
- Sofia MelEditions: 2026
In the media
Coverage of past editions.
- 2026
Bulgaria ON AIR
The second return of Antiquity: Ancient Serdica comes to life
- 2025
Nova TV
- 2025
На кафе
- 2025
OFFNews
- 2025
BulFoto Agency
Follow the next edition
Follow our Facebook page for the next edition announcement, and write to us for media or partnership enquiries.
General information and official correspondence:
serdica_aeterna@abv.bgUpdates and the next edition announcement:
Open Facebook pageFor press accreditation, school visits and festival partnerships, contact us by email.
